TREKKING IN MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

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TREKKING IN MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
Jungle trek - Vasota fort

Location : Koyna region of Satara. Routes are from Satara, Chiplun and Mahabaleshwar.

Vasota fort (1171 m) : Vasota is located near at Koyna region surrounded by bear infested jungle. It is inaccessible except by a long and ardous trek. It is possible to visit the fort through thick jungles.

Travel from Satara to Bamnoli via Kas lake (34 km) by ST bus to catch a ferry boat. Cross the Koyna lake to reach Met Indapur. Then walk to Khirkundi village. One can reach Khirkundi village from Tapole near Mahabaleshwar by ferry. Walk westwards through thick uninhabited forest.

Climb the forested route to top of the fort (5 km) having water tanks and a temple. A flat walk towards north take one to rock carved Nageshwar temple - a nose like projection having a route to top. A water tank is near by.

One can descent to Konkan at Chorvane near Chiplun via Nagsari pass. The route downwards is over steep and exposed scree. The climb through this route is a challenge even to seasoned trekkers. The area is dry and one can get exhausted due to dehydration. Drink plenty of water and Electral solution for dehydration .

To and fro trek takes 9 hour via Chorvane route.

The western side of the Koyna lake from Koynanagar (near Chiplun) to Tapole (near Mahabaleshwar) has plenty of jungle, infested with wild animals. For the adventurous people it will be a treat to trek through the dense forest. The distance of the trek is 60 km and can be covered in 5 days.

Enjoy trekking. Be in the lap of nature.

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Trimbakeshwar (35 km from Nashik) - It is the place of one of the main out of 12 Jyotirlingas and source of Holy river Godavari, Shiv temple, Kushavarta tirtha - holy pond, caves, Brahmagiri hill (1295 m) with rock carved steps - a narrow passage in the rock is cut 4 to 6 ft with about 300 steps : 1.5 hour by trek. In 1818 the British conquered the fort and dismantled it.

For Nashik photos :
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Anjaneri fort (1300 m)- Anjaneri is a huge grass topped mountain. Get down at Anjaneri 6 km before Trimbak. A road climbs to the hill where step starts. Climb a gully to reach a higher plateau. A flat walk takes one to a temple and a small lake. A left track leads to Sita gupha - cave and a temple. The right track climbs to the upper plateau and a flat walk leads to temple. Nice views of the surrounding hill range. The to and fro trek takes 3 hour. On return one can visit the ruined temples of Anjaneri village at the base.

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Dev Dandya (1295 m) : From Junnar travel to Ajnawle (24 km). From here one can climb this hill easily. The hill is identified by a small pinnacle like projection at one end. Climb through the gully at the other end to top. An excellent view of Bhairavgad fort on the west, in the Konkan (Malsej).

Trek takes 3 hour. Ajnawle bus from Junnar at 1230 h reaching Ajnawle at 1430 h - road in bad condition. Last bus from Ajnawle to Junnar is at 1700 h. One can stay in the temple at the village. Winter is chilly. Ghatghar (4 km before Ajnawle, Naneghat). Lying on the ridge on the ghats, to the west of Nimagiri, is the hill of Dev Dandya, a trek which could be combined with the former.

Location : Junnar (90 km from Pune).

Dev Dandya trek photos

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Shivneri fort (1018 m) : The fortress was the birth place of Shivaji (1627 - 1680), the great Maratha warrier king. The fort is 3 km from Junnar. It has a huge arch at the entrance and well preserved fortifications. The route to top leads via series of entrances. The gates in the fort increses the security. It rises from a three cornered base of about 250 m from the plains and looks over the town of Junnar. Its long and wavy ridge is maked for miles around by an arch, which stands out against the sky between the minarets of a mosque.

On top one can see an Idgah with dome. Lower on the ridge, a memorial to Shivaji, a mosque, water tanks, caves filled with water, Shiv mandir (temple), foundation of the ruined palace, Shivaji's cradle, a buruj - from where condemned prisoners were thrown. From the water tank near the mosque one can climb down to Junnar via an intresting shortcut.
After 15 min walk, an exposed rock cut steps (3 m) has to be covered. There one can see 4 - 5 caves, which are visible even from the ST stand. The track climb down to reach the main road. To and fro trek take s 2 hour.

Location : Junnar (90 km from Pune).

Shivneri fort trek photos

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Jivdhan fort (1145 m) : The fort is at Ghatghar with a prominnent isolated pillar of 60 m high, known as Vanar lingi. The fort walls near the pillar drop a sheer 1000 m into the Konkan. The path to top of fort is blown off, but has many foot and finger holds artificially made. Top has five water cisterns, some Mohammedan constructions and a commanding view.

Nane ghat (830 m) : This sheer cliff is a well known landmark, very clearly visible from the Konkan. The walls of this pass jut out from the main range and hence command a magnificent view of the great bend in the Sahyadris. To the north one can see Kalsubai, to the south Bhimashankar, to the north east is Harichandragad, shattered pinnacles of Konkan. The great comb like rock of Chanderi and the pinnacles of Haji Malang are also visible.

This is a pass, which, once in history, enjoyed prime importance. At Nane ghat the inscriptions, the steps, the rock cut rest houses and the cisterns show that as far back as 1st century BC, this route was frequently used. Even now, it carries heavy trade traffic. From Ghar ghar, an unmettaled road leads to Nane ghat pass (6 km, one hour by walk). Nice views of Jivdhan fort and Vanar lingi (recently climbed by rock climbers). From Nane ghat one can climb down to Vaishakhare on Malshej road (14 km).

Location : Junnar 90 km from Pune. Gharghar is 23 km from Junnar on the Ajnawle road.

Nane ghat & Jivdhan fort trek photos

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Janjira fort (Murud Janjira): The word ‘Janjira' mean an island fort. However, the term is now used exclusively for the great Siddi fort off the coast of Murud and hence it is often called Murud Janjira. Located at 18º 16' north, latitude and 72º 55' east longitude, it was at one time given the name “Mehar-ruba” or “Mehar-rusa”. The Portuguese called it “Damda”.

The fort was originally built by Rama Koli, under the protection of the Nizamshahi Sultan, in late 15 th century. The walls were made from huge logs. In 1617 the command of the fort was given to Siddi Amar by Malik Ambar, the great Nizamshah's statesman. From then onwards the Siddis held the fort continuously for over three hundred years. And it is to their credit that Janjira was never captured by any power, even the great Maratha warrior Shivaji failed.

Janjira was a very strong fort with high rampart and 22 bastions. The main gate faces east and is protected by two huge bastions with a gallery on top. An interesting feature of this gate Mabadarwaja – is a sculpture on the walls. It shows a tiger clasping four elephants in its claws and one each in its jaws and tail. There are four huge cannons in the gallery above the main gate. Today, the fort is in ruins but a visit is well worth it because even the ruin give us a good idea of the grandeur of the place in olden times. A walk along the ramparts presents a wonderful view of the sea and the channel and the large area of the fort.

Murud, 165 km from Mumbai via Alibag. Korlai and Revdanda forts on the scenic Alibaug - Murud route. Janjira has a nice beach, tasty sea food, the scenic Kashid beach and a gorgeous mansion built by the Nawab of Janjira. An MTDC rest house and a few hotels provide fairly good accommodation.

Janjira island fort with one of India's largest cannons - Landa Kasam ( >90 cm is in diameter ferried in pieces and welded together in the fort), 12 m high fort walls, palace (in ruins), nearby Padmadurg fort (3 km by boat - built by King Shivaji to observe the activities of the Siddis), Janjira is one of the few forts in Maharashtra, which is in good condition even now. The fort still has more than 60 cannons. Toilets with septic tank is another rare thing in the forts of Maharashtra. The fort has two entrances, of which one is commonly used. The other entrance is difficult to approach by boats as the area is rocky and can damage the vessels severely.

Janjira fort is situated about 2 km into the sea from Rajpuri near Murud. The fort was constructed on an island with two large water tanks for drinking water. The fort can be accesssed by wind sail boats which operated from dawn to dusk (Rs 15). Morning time is best to photograph the fort. It was considered impregnable and witnessed many battles during the 300 year old reign of Siddis.

A must see for a fort enthusiast, a tourist, a defnece personnel ......... .

Location : Murud in Raigad district of Maharashtra. Nearest railway station is Roha on Konkan railway. 165 km from Mumbai well connected by road.

Janjira fort photos

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Koregad fort (929 m)

Location : Ambavne, 24 km from Lonavla is in Pune district. ST buses and jeeps connect the base of the fort. The trek is easy and well defined.

From Ambavne village one can approach the right side of the fort where there is a depression. A track climb steeply via a small forest to top.
Getdown one km before Ambavne at Peth shahpur and follow the good track on left of the road to fort's base. From here regular cemented steps leads to top. An easy walk takes one to the huge hill top (more han one km long) . Just before the fort's entrance, cave cum water tanks and a temple is located . A few more steps leads to the fort's main entrance.

On top, there are 3 temples and 4 big water ponds, 4 cannons, 3 cave cum water tanks, buildings in ruins etc. can be seen. From one end of the fort, nice views of neighbouring hill ranges, Mulshi and other lakes, Sahara Amby valley city, Runway of Sahara air terminal etc. Fort has one more entrance and is less used except by devout trekkers and villagers.

Climbing down through this route over scree and boulders via steep route. The trek takes 2 hour.

It is said that when the fort was deserted in 1818, the temple ornaments were handed over to Mumbadevi, the godess of Mumbai. There is an old mortar gun on the top. When Col. Prother of the British forces advances against Koregad on 14 th March 1818 this gun was loaded and ready to be fired against the British forces. But the gun charge from the gun blew up the magazine, ruined the gateway and burnt several houses in the fort itself. The fort surrendered immediately.

Koregad fort & Sahara Amby Valley photos

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Jungli Jaigad & Jhungti fort

Location : Koyna nagar near Chiplun. Chiplun is on the Mumbai - Goa Konkan railway route.

Jungli Jaigad (901 m) is a small, little known fort near the Koyna dam. Situated in thick forest infested with wild animals. From Chiplun travel to Koynanagar by Karad bus. Then travel to Navja (11 km) via Panchdhara tunnel and follow the road which leads to Alora in Konkan. The road passes at the foot of the fort. The entry to the fort is throuh a 1 m wide 15 m long route, cracked by an earthquake. The fort is 500 m long and 30 m wide with no water.

Jhungti fort : This is an unknown small fort on the western ridge of the Koyna lake. It can be approached from Dicholi village. Dicholi is connected by ferry from Koyna (4 hour), or a walk through thick forest (10 km) is possible via the Jungli Jaigad route. Ahead of Dicholi, the route to Jhungti is complicated an passes through very thick forest. Above
Dicholi two huge volcanic rock fields locally known as 'sada' are to be passed. Cross the Vaghul sada and traverse north wards in thick forest. Walking along the ridge of the ghats, reach a high point 1027 m. From here, turn west, up and down a spur to reach Jhungti, jutting out into the Konkan. No inhabitation on the way except wild animals !.

Enjoy the company of birds and animals. Be with nature.

Eye and mind see beauty every where.

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Peb is a small hill fort adjoining Matheran, which is popular with hikers and a day long hikings in rains. From Neral station follow the road via taxi stand to main road (Hotel Divya Deep). Appraoch the base of the fort by following a cart road leading to a village near a paultry farm (3 km). Approach the transmission tower on a hill and a track climbs up to a higher plateau. Further a small track climbs gradually to a saddle. The left track on the sharp ridge takes one to a one metre high boulder fitted with a rope (easy climb). The traverse leads to two caves at the base of the fort and to an iron ladder (7 metre high, fitted). On top there is a water tank and steps. If one is adventure loving, he can follow the steep route to top via steps. The top can be reached by a 10 m easy climb with the help of an iron rope fitted permanently.

The top has Datta paduka mandir/temple and a more than 10 m long saffron flag with 'ohm' on it.Top is barren and is narrow with a water tank near by. From top, there is an easy way on the ridge towards Matheran. On the way there is a Swami ashram where is one can stay a night if desired. Swami has a domesticated dog and having other modern facilities. From Kotwal buruj (fortification with a flag near Matheran), an exposed route leads on to the railway line on Matheran under Panorama point, a water tank, a cave, another vantage points are near by.

Location : Near Matheran / Neral on Mumbai - Karjat/Pune train route. The to and fro trek takes 4.5 hour from Neral. If one is having two wheeler the base village near the paultry farm is accessible by cart road.

Peb fort trek Photos

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Korlai fort : Situated 27 km from Alibag on the Murud road near Chaul. The fort on top of a hill which is on the coast and across the Revdanda creek. A fairly large beautiful island with full of migratory birds can be seen during the low tide.

From the Alibag - Murud raod, Korlai village is 2 km away. Within the fort are the mammoth palm groves and the top commands an excellent view of the Chaul and Revdanda creek. This was a former stronghold of the Portuguese and consists of two 1 km plus long walls seperasted by a distance of 30 to 40 metre (width).

From the main road walk towards the base of the fort. Right side route climbs up thruogh Acacia trees to top. Left side road near the beach leads to a light house with a cannon. From there steps leads to the fort's entrance. The fort has 20 cannons, a tombstone dating 1646 AD by the Portuguese, a church in ruins, underground water tank, inscriptions on fort
walls in Portuguese etc. The fort has 3 entrances and the trek takes 2 hour. The beach at the base of the fort is beautiful and having colourful stones. Nearest railway station is Pen on Mumbai - Goa Konkan route.

Korlai fort photos

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Rev Danda fort : Situated 24 km from Alibag on the Murud road near Chaul. The road passes through the Portuguese fort. Near the Rev Danda ST stand, a cannon and to gateways can be seen. It is a little Kerala with full of coconut trees & Beetalnut trees watered by canal system and nice beaches. The fort is thickly populated and majority of area is in private custody.

Inside the fort, road from Star hotel leads to St. Francis Zavier church (in ruins) and to a giant arch way and a huge multi storied tower (can be a church with two cannons lying down). A door way lead sto the beach from where one can enjoy the long fort walls of he fort. The fort has 7 gateways, some gates are used by private persons as their home's entry. A visit to the fort will be really enjoying. Nearest railway station is Pen on Mumbai - Goa Konkan route.

Revdanda fort photos

[tech-nikhil]

Thanks for great info !

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Trekking around PUNE

SINHAGAD FORT (1320 m) - From Swargate, Pune to Sinhagad base by bus (24 km). A well defined path leads to Pune darwaza of the fort (1 hour). A TV tower with lots of old construction can be seen on the top. The fort witnessed many battles during the Maratha period. In 1670 AD Tanaji won the fort for Shivaji. One can get down through the Kalyan Darwaza to Kalyan village and then to Kondhanpur. A motorable road reaches the upper plateau of the fort.

RAJGAD (1320 m) - It was the first capital of Shivaji for 25 years. From Swargate, travel to Gunjavne (30 km). A 2 hour trek through the ridge takes to the top. A steep rock face (Bale killa) climb is a thrilling experience. On top, the remenants of the Shivaji's palace can be seen. One can trek to Torna fort as it is connected via a ridge.

TORNA FORT (1403 m) - From Swargate travel to Welhe (35 km). Torna was the first fort captured by Shivaji at the age of 16. It is a 2 hour trek over the ridge. From the twin tower of Torna get down to the ridge for Rajgad. In a one day exhaustive trek one can visit Torna and Rajgad (7 km).

PURANDAR FORT (Wajrangad, 1309 m) : The twin fort having plenty of opportunities for rock climbing. From Swargate, Pune reach Saswad and then to the base of the fort by ST bus (37 km). Purnadar fort was mentioned in 1300 when Alauddin fortified it and it was with Nizam Shahis for a century. Aurangzeb's forces captured it in 1675 and it went back to the Marathas and finally to the British in 1776 with the 'Treaty of Purandhar'. On top there is a church in ruins and Bombay saphire camp, Keadreshewar temple etc with good views. If one is having a private vehicle, can reach the top plateau of the fort by road. Both forts can be covered by 5 hour trek.

KAMALGAD (1378 m) - From Kate's point of Mahabaleshwar get down to Nandgaon, cross the Krishna river to Partewadi and follow the route to the top. Or from Panchgani (Table land) descend to Chikhlun and to Asangaon and then to fort (7 km).

PRATAPGAD (1393 m) - Fort is 24 km from Mahabaleshwar and is famous because of Afzal Khan's tomb. To and fro takes 2 hour .

RAIGAD FORT (862 m) : This fort was the capital of Shivaji, with his coronation as Maharaja was held in the fort. From Mahad reach Pachad by bus. Regular steps (or a ropeway Rs 60) leads to the top. This popular fort has a dak bunglow and hotel are avaiIable for stay and food. The fort can be climbed from various routes. On top, lot of Shivaji's samadhi, thrown,construction (in ruins), seating statue of Shivaji, a memorial for Shivaji's dog, temple, market, palaces, water tanks etc can be seen. To and fro trek takes 3 hour. Nearby Lingana pinnacle (908 m) is a challenge for rock climbers.

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Trekking around LONAVLA

DUKE'S NOSE - Lonavla to Kuruvande by auto (5 km). 45 minute walk takes you to the top of Duke's nose. Rappeling down from here is a great fun as the rockface is steep. Kuruvande village is famous even from the time of Chatrapati Shivaji. On this hilly route Shivaji attacked his enemies and become victorious. 1.5 hour climb down takes you to Chavni village at Konkan. Travel to Umbre/Khopoli by Vikram/auto. Another route takes you to Phalyan, base village of Lion's point. Trek takes 2 hour (tower line) from Duke's nose. Return to Khopoli via Parali.

LION'S POINT trek - From Lion's point one will be attraced by the beauty of a sharp peak : Babita/Moradi hill. By Khopoli - Pali bus get down at Parali and travel to Mangaon by Vikram/auto. A 2.5 hour takes one to top. On the way 25 m rock wall has to be climbed. The final rock dome (15 m) is of rock climb. To and fro trek takes 5 hour. A guide from Mangaon/Phalyan is prefered.

AATWAN PHATA : Lion's point is 12 km from Lonavla and 2 km ahead is Aatwan phata, one can climb down to konkan. At Aatwan phata, on left one can see the Mulshi lake. Turn right to a depression and the small track climbs down to a lower plateau. Follow the water nullah (dried) right and take a long traverse of the steep rock wall to the base of Moradi peak. Then find a nullah which climbs down to Mangaon village. The trek takes 3 hour. Travel to Paraliand then to Khopoli via six seater/ ST. By 0900 am ST bus from Lonavla to Sahara, one can getdown at Aatwan phata.

UMBER KHIND - From Lonavla reach Lion's point, a famous tourist spot, by bus/jeep. Just before the Lion's point one can see the transmission lines. Follow the water nullah (in dried condition during summer) near the tower line. The narrow and deep gorge climbs down to Mangaon (6 hour, rope is advised). From the village travel to Parali on the Khopoli - Pali road and then to Lonavla.

BEDSE BUDDHIST caves (60 m) - From Lonavla travel to Kamshet by local train and then to Pawna dam by jeep or bus and get down on the way for caves (3 km).

PAWNA DAM - A beautiful large reservoir which has Tung and Tikona on one side and Lohagad and Visapur on the other side. Access is from Lonavla-Kamshet.

TIKONA FORT (1100 m) - Kamshet to Tikona by Paud bus or jeep (8 km, via Pawna dam). Climb over the ridge near the road to top (1 hour).

TUNG FORT (1077 m) - A sharp peak surrounded by waters of Pawna dam. From Pawna dam get a boat/launch to reach Tung village. A track slowly climbs to the base of the fort. Follow the road and reach the Hanuman temple. A steep climb takes to the temple at the top (1 hour). The road at the base of the fort leads to Essar junction (10 km, 2 hour walk) on Lonavla - Sahara road. Travel to Lonavla by bus. The bus service to Tungi is less frequent.

LOHAGAD FORT (1040 m) - It is a beautiful fort in good condition near Lonavla. It was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1648 AD. From Malvali railway station walk to the Bhaje village (3 km). One can visit the group of Buddhist caves located at the base of the fort. Climb to the col of Visapur - Lohagad forts. Lohagad fort is at the right side of the col. A broad route leads through the fortifications to the top. A darga, temple and lots of construction can be seen on the fort. Panoramic view of Pawna dam, Tung, Tikona, Visapur and Lohagad forts.

VISAPUR FORT (1084 m) - Reach the col of Visapur - Lohagad and follow the left track. Trek up through the gully. One can climb down to Malvali from the other side of the fort.

RAJMACHI FORT (828 m) - It is an isolated twin fort on the Bohr pass. The higher fort is called Sreevardhan and the lower is Manranjan. From Lonavla to Tungarli lake by auto (4 km). Walk towards left and follow the road. A 10 km walk takes one to the base village Rajmachi. From the col of these forts a narrow track leads to the top. From Rajmachi one can climb down to Ulhas valley to visit Kondana caves. Cross Ulhas river and climb to Takurwadi railway station on the Karjat route. Trek takes 5 hour. From Ulhas valley one can visit BHAIROBA DHAK (10 hour trek from Tungarli lake) rock cut cave reached after a steep climb over rope - a scenic place with pinnacle and a narrow gully.

KOREGAD FORT (931 m) - From Lonavla reach Ambavne by bus or jeep (25 km). Walk towards the fort's centre. A steep route through the forest (well hidden) takes to top. Get down on the other side of the fort through regular steps. Sahara lake city and Mulshi lake (3 km) are nearby.

SUDHAGAD (620 m) - Take Bhambarde bus from Lonavla and get down at TEL BAILA. The twin pinnacle is a prominent landmark. A 4 km flat walk takes you to base of the massif. A narrow track climbs to the base of rock climbing wall where a temple is located. Tel Baila (1015 m) is a tough and interesting rock climbing route. Rope and improvised ladder are advised. From Tel Baila village get down to Konkan via Wazri pass (2 hour) and reach Dondse village. From Dondse village one can visit Sudhagad fort by following a water nullah and cross it at right. Trek takes 3 hour. Huge gateways and temple are at top. From Dhondse travel to Pali by bus. Tanale and Karsambla caves are nearby.

TANALE CAVES - From Pali to Tanale by bus (30 min). To and fro trek takes 3 hour. 12 Buddhist caves, bioluminscent tree nearby.

SARASGAD - Pali is famous for Ganesh temple. Track on backside of the temple leads to Sarasgad fort (2 hour). Excellent views of the Pali town from the fort.